Visit to Plowden & Smith

This two hour visit to Plowden & Smith’s workshop in Wandsworth offered a behind the scenes look at how a leading UK and world specialist in the conservation and restoration of the fine and decorative arts, uses its insurance and risk management policies to help support and maintain its reputation as an internationally recognised company.

This visit will be hosted by the main officers at Plowden & Smith. This will commence with an introduction of Plowden & Smith together with an overview and vision going forward, and will describe the Company’s expertise in many areas, including furniture, metalwork, stonework, ceramics, paintings, paper, contemporary art, decorative arts, textiles, conservation framing, mount making and exhibition work. This has meant that with the variety and breadth of knowledge of its staff, the company has been able to solve even the most complex of issues.

The wide range of specialisations will be illustrated and explained during the tour by the hosts, and will include a visit to many of the different sections. In addition to viewing the restoration work itself, this will illustrate many of the different risk management and insurance aspects being applied.

During the tour, the hosts will provide examples and explanations of typical insurance claims, preparation of estimates and management of clients’ explanations.

All presentations will include a Q&A session. Refreshments will be provided.

During this visit members will gain an insight into:

• The role of a specialist in the conservation and restoration of the fine and decorative arts
• An insight into general, insurance, and risk management issues associated with conservation and restoration
• Typical insurance claims and dealing with clients
• New emerging issues

Attendees will be required to make their own travel arrangements to/from Plowden & Smith.

Please note: places on visits are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Please do let us know what we can do to make this visit fully accessible to you.

Please contact Edward Walker (020 7397 3915) or Susan Phillip (020 7397 3913) with any queries regarding this visit.